Mahalia Jackson

Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1911. She played a crucial role in the spread of gospel blues music. She grew up in the church and joined the junior choir. New Orleans blues and jazz combined with gospel music from church helped form her own musical style. She moved to Chicago and was invited to join a quartet, the Johnson Singers. Throughout the 1930s and into the 40s, the group was invited to perform at church services and eventually began to make some money. At the request of Chicago politician William Levi Dawson, Jackson was invited to sing for the presidential campaign for Franklin D. Roosevelt.

This exposure provided her with opportunities unheard of, for the times. Although she endured constant pressure from producers to record secular music, she was determined to concentrate on gospel. In 1954, Jackson signed with Columbia Records. She was the first gospel artist to do so. Between 1955 and 1972, Jackson released over 15 albums. Although primarily hymns and gospel songs, patriotic and inspirational songs were also included. She sang for films "St. Louis Blues" (1958), "Jazz on a Summer's Day" (1959), "Imitation of Life" (1959) and "The Best Man" (1964). She sold over 20 million records while still staying true to her faith and principles. Mahalia Jackson died on January 27, 1972 at the age of 60.